Getting Smarter through Language
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Based on what you learned in this lesson about the simple and complex subjects, write the following sentences including the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
Example: One of my friends (is / are) traveling around the world.
Your Sentence: One of my friends is traveling around the world.
When you are finished, click “Answer” to check your answer.
Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.
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1. Some members of my family (was / were) born in Guatemala.
Answer
Some members of my family were born in Guatemala.
(The simple subject is “some members,” which is plural)
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2. Learning science and mathematics (was / were) fun in my high school.
Learning science and mathematics was fun in my high school.
(The simple subject is “learning,” which is singular.)
3. The large number of grammar mistakes (makes / make) it difficult to read your written work.
The large number of grammar mistakes makes it difficult to read your written work.
(The simple subject is “the large number,” which is singular.)
4. The number of students choosing science majors (has / have) increased recently.
The number of students choosing science majors has increased recently.
(The simple subject is “the number,” which is singular.)
5. Young children’s behavior on social media (has to / have to) change before someone gets in trouble.
Young children’s behavior on social media has to change before someone gets in trouble.
(The simple subject is “behavior,” which is singular.)
6. The answer key to these exercises (is / are) at the end of the chapter.
The answer key to these exercises is at the end of the chapter.
(The simple subject is “the answer key,” which is singular.)
7. A serious flaw in your ideas (is / are) that you present no evidence.
A serious flaw in your ideas is that you present no evidence.
(The simple subject is “a flaw,” which is singular.)
8. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially in the summer months, (helps / help) keep you hydrated.
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially in the summer months, helps keep you hydrated.
(The simple subject is “drinking,” which is singular.)
9. According to recent studies, children raised by only one parent (does / do) just as well in school as those raised in two-parent households.
According to recent studies, children raised by only one parent do just as well in school as those raised in two-parent households.
(The simple subject is “children,” which is plural.)
10. Researchers working in universities around the world (has / have) found an explanation for this phenomenon.
Researchers working in universities around the world have found an explanation for this phenomenon.
(The simple subject is “researchers,” which is plural.)
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